NJ Police Dog Killed, Robbery Suspect Charged
Shultz, a New Jersey Police dog, was recently killed while pursuing a robbery suspect. Police released the 3-year-old German Sheppard in an effort to catch the suspect, 20-year-old Skyler Robinson. But Robinson was somehow able to throw Shultz directly into the way of traffic on a busy highway. The impact killed the dog instantly.
Shultz lived with his handler, Police Cpl. Mark Pickard, who has since been put on administrative leave to grieve for his lost partner in crime. Robinson was eventually caught three hours after allegedly killing Shultz. A huge manhunt ensued, including cops from several surrounding towns, AP reports. "Officer Shultz gave his life for Cpl. Pickard and all the other officers," said Police Chief Harry Earle in a news conference announcing the death.
This case begs the question: does killing a police dog increase the robbery charges? Yes.
In addition to robbery, the suspect also assaulted an employee before running from the scene. There is the actual robbery, plus Robinson has also been charged with inflicting harm on a law enforcement animal and cruelty to animals.
The sad reality is that the robbery yielded a mere $300. In Philadelphia, inflicting harm on a law enforcement animal can carry up to five years in prison. Both men are now being held in a nearby jail on $150,000 bail.
Related Resources:
- Two Arrested In Connection With NJ Police Dog Killed (NJ.com)
- Lessons From an Animal Cruelty Case In the U.S. Supreme Court (FindLaw's Writ)
- That Bites: Dog Sentenced for Attacking Police Cars (FindLaw's Legally Weird)